Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen could see significant changes this offseason, as baseball analyst Jim Bowden from The Athletic hints at a potential trade with the San Diego Padres involving standout relievers. Bowden anticipates the Phillies will pursue left-handed reliever Scott, trading high-leverage bullpen arms Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez. All three relievers are free agents, drawing heavy interest across the league.
Hoffman, a former East California University standout, put up impressive numbers this season with the Phillies, finishing with a 2.17 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP in 68 appearances. Estevez also delivered a strong season, recording a 2.45 ERA with 20 saves and a 0.91 WHIP across 72 innings. On the other side, Scott showcased his elite skills with a 1.75 ERA, 84 strikeouts, and a top-three whiff percentage on his powerful slider.
High Demand for Scott and a Potential Long-Term Deal with Phillies
Bowden projects that Scott could sign a four-year, $60 million deal, potentially with the Phillies, to boost their bullpen depth. The Phillies led the NL East for much of the season but fell short in the playoffs, losing to the New York Mets in the NLDS. Their postseason struggles highlighted a need to reinforce their outfield, bullpen, and rotation heading into 2025, with Scott emerging as a prime candidate to anchor the bullpen.
Free Agent Reliever Market Heats Up
The Phillies are looking to re-sign Hoffman, who became a free agent on October 31. His high-leverage contributions make him a fan favorite, but as Bowden notes, upgrading the bullpen is a priority after a turbulent second half of the season. According to New York Post columnist Jon Heyman, the Phillies have been interested in Scott since June, aiming to bolster their late-game relief. As free agency unfolds, Scott is likely to be one of the most sought-after relievers, with the Phillies and several other contenders vying for his impact arm to fortify their bullpens for 2025.
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